Garden of the Gods, with towering red-rock formations, wide open desert scenery, and mountains rising in the background, is an incredible place for any couple dreaming of a wedding day that’s about the real, meaningful moments. You can step onto a short trail and suddenly be surrounded by scenery that makes you feel like you stepped into a different world! A Garden of the Gods elopement is perfect for couples who want to skip the stress, be close to town but surrounded by nature, and who want an intentional, intimate day. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your elopement at Garden of the Gods, in a way that keeps the focus on what matters most!
Where is Garden of the Gods?
One of the best reasons to say yes to a Garden of the Gods elopement is because of how incredibly easy it is to get to. The park sits right in Colorado Springs, just a few minutes from restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops–but once you step inside, the atmosphere feels quiet and peaceful. You get dramatic desert views and sandstone formations without needing to drive into remote mountain areas!
Colorado Springs has an airport, but it’s also only about an hour away from Denver, where the larger international airport is. Garden of the Gods is easy to drive to, and with plenty of other day trip destinations and places to explore.
Garden of the Gods Wedding Permits
Good news! There is no permit required to elope at Garden of the Gods! You can have your elopement ceremony at designated areas in the park, at no cost. They do recommend a $50 donation to the park–it’s not required, but it’s just a way to contribute to protecting the landscape that will be the backdrop of your wedding day.
One thing to keep in mind is that since there’s no permit system, there are no reservations. All ceremony spots are first come, first serve, and there will be other park visitors around.
When you tie the knot at Garden of the Gods, make sure to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Setting up decorations, tables, arches, or chairs is not allowed. Make sure not to leave anything that doesn’t belong there, including rice, confetti, or flower petals–and of course, pack out your trash. You cannot have receptions in the park, unless you’re having a picnic at the Scotsman or South Spring Canyon Picnic areas, and alcohol is not allowed.
Marriage License in Colorado
Getting married in Garden of the Gods is not only breathtaking–it’s incredibly simple. Colorado makes the process easy: you don’t need an officiant, and you can even self-solemnize your marriage, meaning the two of you can legally marry yourselves.
All you’ll need to do is pick up your marriage license from the El Paso County Clerk’s Office in Colorado Springs (or any county clerk in Colorado). Your license can be used anywhere in the state, including right among the red rock formations. After your ceremony, you simply return the signed license to the same county office.
This flexibility gives you the freedom to create a celebration that feels adventurous, intimate, and uniquely yours–without the stress of complicated logistics.
You can find the most up-to-date information on the El Paso County website.
Where to Elope at Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods has several approved ceremony locations, so your ceremony needs to be at one of these spots. You can take pictures around the park, though!
These are the places where you can tie the knot, but make sure to check the park’s website for the most up to date information.
- South Spring Canyon Area (50 people): a more wooded area that provides a little more privacy, but less of those vast desert views
- Jaycee Plaza (50 people): an amphitheater style rock structure that provides seating for a ceremony
- Sentinel Plaza (25 people): a quieter spot where you’ll be surrounded by rock formations
- Three Graces Plaza (25 people): a spot with iconic sandstone pillars and rocks that you can climb up on
- High Point (50 people): a gorgeous location with panoramic views of the park, Pikes Peak, and Cheyenne Mountain
- Scottsman Picnic Area (25 people): a small area that isn’t very popular, but it has more greenery and some picnic benches
Best Time for a Garden of the Gods Elopement
Garden of the Gods is open for elopements year round, but the seasons are pretty dramatically different.
- Summer (June-August): Warm days in the 80s make it great for hiking around the red rocks. It’s the busiest season, so sunrise or sunset ceremonies are ideal for softer light and fewer crowds. Afternoon storms are common, but they usually move through quickly.
- Fall (September-October): Comfortable temps, glowing fall colors, and gorgeous golden light. One of the best times to explore Garden of the Gods without heavy tourist traffic. My personal pick if you want warmth without the summer rush.
- Winter (November-March): Quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly doable with layers. Light snow on the red rocks creates a stunning contrast and tons of solitude. Expect chilly temps but incredible views with almost no one around.
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather and beautiful wildflowers beginning to pop up. Spring can be unpredictable with a chance of late snow, so flexibility is key–but the colors and cooler temps make it worth it.
Garden of the Gods Elopement Vendors
The vendors you choose will really shape your day – so here are some recommendations for Garden of the Gods elopement vendors that can help bring your day to life!
- Photography & Videography – choosing a photographer who knows the area (hi, that’s me!) will ensure that your memories are documented, and that you have someone to help guide you through logistics like finding the perfect spot, and planning around lighting. With digital photos, 35mm film, and Super 8 video, you’ll be able to look back on these memories forever.
- Florists – Honey Brie Flowers and Marigolds Flowers are both great florists who create wildflower-inspired bouquets.
- Hair & Makeup – these stylists will come to you: Jessica Faye Beauty, Hannah K Wilfong.
- Cake & Desserts – Flick of the Whisk Cakes, because your elopement deserves something sweet!
- Food – Mod Picnic creates unique pop up picnics, designed to create a unique experience.
- Planners – I love helping couples with location scouting and timelines, but for bigger celebrations Hannah Kathryn Events offers thoughtful styling and coordination.
Ready to Elope at Garden of the Gods?
Choosing to elope at Garden of the Gods means choosing a day that’s centered on the two of you, not the pressure of a traditional wedding. It’s simple, meaningful, and full of opportunities to create and experience that feels like you.
My job as an elopement photographer and videographer is to help you create your dream day – I’ll be there to help narrow down locations, build a timeline, and give you all the tips and recommendations. If you’re ready to start planning, contact me!
